Bully Route Home

The Bully Route Home is a coming of age story.It follows Robert William Robertson, aka "Pooch," as he learns some of the hardlessons of life including racism, standing up for what's right and learning howto handle different situations. As he does tasks that seem mundane such astaking a catfish off a hook, he is taught valuable life lessons. The storyfocuses on the effects of racism on a small town in a time where hatred ranrampant. As Pooch tries to avoid a beating from the bully, he inadvertentlycreates chaos within the town. He finds a new friend in Carver, a black boyfrom the "quarters", and in turn Pooch's father hires Carver's father as asupervisor much to the dismay of the town. The after effects of Lee's decisioneffects not only Lee and the plant but also the children at school. Havlinprovides an honest and uncensored look at the negative aspect of the humanspecies.Pooch is a young manfull of innocence and naivety. His opinion of a person doesn't stop at thecolor of his skin. This viewpoint within a young child and his father spark arebellion within the town. While Pooch is learning lessons of life and growingup faster than he should, readers are learning as well. This is a book thatwill cause readers to think. The book is beautifully written and addresses asubject that too often we are afraid to address. While the novel uses certainlanguage, it is done tastefully and in a manner that portrays the viewpoint andculture of the time being depicted.The characters arecomplex and grow with depth as the book progresses. Pooch is an incrediblystrong character with strong moral values. He doesn't intend to spark changewhen he befriends Carver, it just inevitably happens. Throughout the townstruggle we see the harsh reality of hatred. Havlin portrays this marvelouslythrough not only dialogue, but the action of the towns folk. I found myselfworrying about the Williams family and hoped to have seen more of Carverthroughout the hardships. I enjoyed Rebecca's character as well. While we seenthe negativity of human character through many characters, we also seeinnocence and purity in Rebecca, even when she wants to fight those whochallenge her. Lee Robertson is another strong character supporting his son,and displaying the beliefs and actions he wants him (Pooch) to learn. He riskseverything to do the right thing and doesn't back down in the face ofadversity. He wants Pooch to learn to the same values and while he seems astrict parent, he does what he thinks is best for all his children. He remindsme a lot of Atticus Finch, fighting for what is right and enduring theaftermath of his decisions.